FAQs

Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line allows a standard telephone line to be used as a broadband line to transmit large amounts of data.

Calling Line Identification or Caller ID allows inbound call number to be identified before answering (systems).

The advance selection of alternative communications providers to carry their calls without having to dial a prefix or install any special equipment at their premises.

Direct Dial-In allows external calls to go directly to an extension without being transferred via a switchboard.

Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology, a global standard for digital wireless telephones (but not mobiles).

Co-axial or twisted wire cable typically used to connect equipment on Local Area Networks (LANs) and offering speeds up to 10Mbps.

File Transfer Protocol, internet standard easing transfer of files between computers.

Internet Protocol Telephony, the standard governing transmission of data and calls via the Internet.

Integrated Services Digital Networks allow digital transmission of data via traditional copper wires. ISDN offers greater capacity and faster transmission than analogue.

Interactive Voice Response, a technology that defects voice and touch-tone signals to initiate call direction, e.g. For Accounts, press 1.

a Least Cost Call, service provided by telecom carriers minimising call costs through selecting the lowest cost routes.

Least Cost Routing, service provided by telecom carriers to reduce call spend on outbound calls.

Local-loop Unbundling is the process of allowing multiple telecommunications operators to use connections from the telephone exchange.

Music On Hold, facility playing music to a caller' whilst they wait to be connected through an exchange.

Non-Geographic Number, the term refers to the 08/03 non-geographic number including UK 0800 numbers and free 0844 numbers rather than the 01/02 geographic number.

Private Branch Exchange, an exchange serving a particular organisation, connecting internal phones and externally to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

Public Switched Telephone Network, which comprises the world's public telephone systems. Also referred to as the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), it provides the Internet's infrastructure.

Pence Per Minute - this is the rate per minute paid for a telephone call.

Quality of Service, facility for prioritising applications, data and users to provide a service level guarantee on a computer network.

Session Initiation Protocol enables calls to be routed via the internet rather than a telephone network.

Voice Over Internet Protocol, standard governing voice transmission via the Internet.